Washington, D.C. - Following comments from White House Press Secretary Josh Earnest today, Deputy Defense Secretary Ashton Carter is expected to be named incoming Secretary of Defense tomorrow morning. The National Jewish Democratic Council applauded Deputy Secretary Carter’s record of strong support for Israel and commitment to maintaining a firm stance on Iran and Syria. The organization further expressed confidence that, should he be nominated, Deputy Secretary Carter will prove an ally to the Jewish community on these issues of critical importance. In addition to serving as Deputy Secretary of Defense from October 2011 to October 2013, Carter served as Assistant Secretary of Defense for International Security Policy from June 1993 to September 1996.

Greg Rosenbaum, chair of the National Jewish Democratic Council, stated:

“I know Ash Carter from my alumni leadership activities at Harvard’s Kennedy School. He is an outstanding choice to serve as our next Secretary of Defense. His detailed understanding of nuclear proliferation issues will make him another voice in this administration insuring that Iran does not acquire nuclear weapons.

“We at the NJDC fully expect that Deputy Secretary Carter’s previous experience serving in the Clinton and Obama administrations will serve him well in this role. Given his superb record, we anticipate a smooth confirmation process in the Senate, particularly after having been confirmed by unanimous votes twice before. Among others, Republican Senator Jim Inhofe (R-Okla.) has already praised Carter’s credentials. We look forward to working with Deputy Secretary Carter in the months and years ahead as he works to strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship.”